Federal housing officials announced on December 11 that they have opened a formal investigation into the City of Boston’s housing policies, citing potential violations of federal civil rights laws. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), through its Office for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, is examining whether the city’s practices infringe upon protections established under the Fair Housing Act and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

The investigation stems from concerns raised in a September 18 letter sent by HUD to city officials, asserting that Boston’s current housing strategy may be racially discriminatory. HUD Secretary Scott Turner emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating that the federal agency is committed to investigating what it views as discriminatory policies that may be embedded in Boston’s housing framework.

At the heart of the probe are allegations that the city’s housing initiatives may not comply with federal anti-discrimination mandates. Specifically, HUD is scrutinizing Boston’s Housing Strategy 2025, its Anti-Displacement Action Plan, and the findings from the city’s Fair Housing Assessment completed in 2022. These initiatives were designed to address housing inequities, but federal officials now question whether they adequately serve all communities.

The Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston, a nonprofit advocacy group, has also flagged troubling patterns in the city’s housing landscape. According to their findings, Black and Latinx residents faced discrimination in half of the housing opportunities they pursued. This data has contributed to HUD’s decision to escalate the matter to a formal inquiry.

Despite the federal scrutiny, Boston officials are preparing to defend their policies. A spokesperson from Mayor Michelle Wu’s office responded to the announcement by affirming the city’s commitment to equitable housing and stating that they will address the allegations raised by HUD. The city has been given 10 business days from the date of the announcement to respond to the federal agency’s concerns.

One of the key points under review is the city’s initiative to direct 65% of its city-sponsored homebuying opportunities toward households of color. While intended to address historic disparities in homeownership, HUD is evaluating whether the implementation of this policy inadvertently results in unequal treatment or other legal concerns.

Jacy Gaige, speaking on behalf of the Fair Housing Center, underscored the importance of the investigation, noting that the practices under federal review have been previously identified in court mandates aimed at correcting systemic housing discrimination.

As the investigation moves forward, Boston’s housing policies will remain under close scrutiny by federal authorities. The outcome could have significant implications for how the city designs and implements future housing programs. For now, HUD’s inquiry is active, and city officials are preparing their formal response as the December deadline approaches.